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QB RB WR TE PK | All Non-IDP | DT DE DL ILB OLB LB CB S DB | All the news | FBG News Blogger Archive
Redskins | London Fletcher thinks he can take part in OTAs Thu May 23, 09:46 PM
Washington Redskins head coach Mike Shanahan said he told LB London Fletcher (elbow, ankle) that he could sit out the rest of the organized team activities, but Fletcher told him he believes he could take part in some of the workouts.
Link to storyLondon Fletcher player page
Colts | Pat Angerer could be out until camp Thu May 23, 04:15 PM
Indianapolis Colts LB Pat Angerer (foot) said his foot is feeling better but is not sure when he will be cleared to practice. Angerer may sit out until the start of training camp.
Link to storyPat Angerer player page
Panthers | A.J. Klein signed Thu May 23, 03:45 PM
The Carolina Panthers have signed fifth-round draft choice LB A.J. Klein to a four-year deal. Financial terms were not disclosed.
| Footballguys view: Klein is your classic inside linebacker who can be a two down thumper at the pro level. He sniffs out plays quickly and can be a chase tackler on plays that go away from him. Klein struggles in coverage and shouldn't be on the field during passing downs. |
A.J. Klein player page
Cowboys | Intrigued Brian Urlacher Thu May 23, 03:29 PM
Retired LB Brian Urlacher said the Dallas Cowboys were one of the team's that intrigued him if he were to have signed with another team other than the Chicago Bears. 'If I could have picked a spot, it would have been Dallas,' Urlacher said. '(The Cowboys) run our defense. They took our D-coordinator (Rod Marinelli). That would have been ideal. But they have two really good young linebackers.'
Link to storyBrian Urlacher player page
Panthers | Jon Beason takes part in some drills Thu May 23, 02:48 PM
Carolina Panthers LB Jon Beason (knee, shoulder) was able to participate in individual drills during organized team activities Thursday, May 23.
| Footballguys view: Beason has struggled to stay healthy over the last two seasons and lost his job as the middle linebacker to Luke Kuechly. He's working as the strongside linebacker. |
Jon Beason player page
Saints | Four defensive players limited Thu May 23, 02:34 PM
New Orleans Saints DE Kenyon Coleman (undisclosed), LB Jonathan Vilma (undisclosed), LB David Hawthorne (undisclosed) and FS Malcolm Jenkins (undisclosed) did not participate in team drills during organized team activities Thursday, May 23. Head coach Sean Payton said none of the players are dealing with serious injuries.
Link to storyKenyon Coleman player page
Jonathan Vilma player page
Malcolm Jenkins player page
David Hawthorne player page
Giants | Spencer Paysinger among starting LBs Wed May 22, 11:45 PM
New York Giants LBs Mark Herzlich, Spencer Paysinger and Keith Rivers were the starting linebackers during organized team activities (OTAs) Wednesday, May 22, with LBs Dan Connor, Aaron Curry and Etienne Sabino lining up with the second unit.
Link to storyDan Connor player page
Keith Rivers player page
Aaron Curry player page
Mark Herzlich player page
Cowboys | Sean Lee looks healthy Wed May 22, 10:01 PM
Dallas Cowboys LB Sean Lee (toe) has reportedly been moving well during organized team activities (OTAs), as he comes off a serious toe injury.
Link to storySean Lee player page
Bears | Brian Urlacher will not consider comeback Wed May 22, 03:08 PM
Retired LB Brian Urlacher said he does not see any scenario that would make him consider a comeback at any point.
Link to storyBrian Urlacher player page
Patriots | Brandon Spikes punching ticket out of town? Wed May 22, 01:44 PM
The New England Patriots could part ways with MLB Brandon Spikes after the 2013 season. The impending free agent has expressed displeasure with the Pats' expectations on how he must prepare for the regular season. He wasn't present for the start of OTAs and hasn't participated in their offseason conditioning workouts. The Patriots might prioritize team chemistry and avoid dealing with ongoing and potential headaches Spikes may cause.
Link to storyBrandon Spikes player page
NFL | Brian Urlacher retires Wed May 22, 11:16 AM
Free-agent MLB Brian Urlacher (Bears) retired after 13 seasons.
| Footballguys view: Urlacher wasn't getting any interest on the open market and instead decided to hang up his cleats. A first ballot Hall of Fame linebacker Urlacher was named to eight Pro Bowls during his career. Perhaps Urlacher could get some interest if any Middle Linebackers get hurt during training camp. He's not the same player he used to be but some team might take show some interest if they have to. |
Brian Urlacher player page
Chargers | Manti Te'o looking good Tue May 21, 04:13 PM
San Diego Chargers LB Manti Te'o has been looking good during the team's organized team activities this week, but the team hasn't been in pads yet. Te'o displayed good balance and looked faster than on film while staying low. He looked smooth in pass coverage but not very fluid in his retreat. He lined up next to LB Donald Butler as the 'mike' linebacker in 11-on-11 drills. In rookie drills, he worked at both inside spots. Te'o said the team's 3-4 scheme is similar to what he played in at Notre Dame.
| Footballguys view: Te'o has to prove critics wrong and show that he can be a three down player at the pro level. He made improvements as a senior at Notre Dame but may have trouble staying with athletic move TEs in coverage. |
Donald Butler player page
Saints | More on Will Smith Tue May 21, 12:00 PM
New Orleans Saints LB Will Smith lined up at outside linebacker for the first time as the team transitions to a 3-4 defense during OTAs Monday, May 20. 'That's where we'll start him,' head coach Sean Payton said, noting that outside linebackers often play pass-rushing roles in a 3-4 scheme. 'We can play him right and left, but I think initially that right outside position would be very similar to what he's played for us in the past.' LB Jonathan Vilma is expected to be one of the two middle linebackers in their new defense.
Link to storyWill Smith player page
Jonathan Vilma player page
Panthers | Jon Beason's spot safe Tue May 21, 11:40 AM
Carolina Panthers LB Jon Beason's roster spot is safe.
| Footballguys view: Beason has missed most of the last two years with injury and lost his job as the middle linebacker to last year's first-round pick Luke Kuechly. He's moved to outside linebacker and will compete for the starting spot on the strong side. |
Jon Beason player page
Texans | Brian Cushing says he will be ready for season Mon May 20, 05:04 PM
Houston Texans LB Brian Cushing (knee) said he will definitely be ready for the start of the regular season and is pretty sure he will be ready for the start of training camp.
Link to storyBrian Cushing player page
Broncos | Two limited during workout Mon May 20, 04:04 PM
Denver Broncos RB Knowshon Moreno (knee) and LB Joe Mays (ankle) were limited to individual drills during organized team activities Monday, May 20, because they have not been medically cleared to take part in team drills.
| Footballguys view: Moreno was running off to the side in a straight line and looked quick. He could be medically cleared for later workouts at Dove Valley. Moreno may be battling Willis McGahee for one spot on the roster. |
Joe Mays player page
Knowshon Moreno player page
Cardinals | Daryl Washington pleads not guilty Mon May 20, 03:27 PM
Arizona Cardinals LB Daryl Washington has pleaded not guilty in a case in Phoenix where he was charged with aggravated assault and criminal trespass. He allegedly grabbed a woman by the throat and shoving her to the ground.
Link to storyDaryl Washington player page
Patriots | Brandon Spikes will be at minicamp Mon May 20, 02:11 PM
New England Patriots LB Brandon Spikes has not been participating in organized team activities but will be present for the team's minicamp. Spikes has been working out on his own and believes that is the best way for him to prepare for the season. His absence has nothing to do with his contract situation.
Link to storyBrandon Spikes player page
Packers | Desmond Bishop confident in abilities Mon May 20, 12:55 PM
Green Bay Packers LB Desmond Bishop (hamstring) said he is completely healthy heading into this season, and that he plans on becoming the league's defensive Most Valuable Player in 2013. Bishop missed all of last season with a torn hamstring.
Link to storyDesmond Bishop player page
Patriots | Brandon Spikes have not been present this offseason Sun May 19, 01:18 PM
New England Patriots LB Brandon Spikes has not spent a lot of time with the team during their offseason program. It is not known if he will be present for organized team activities this week.
Link to storyBrandon Spikes player page
Panthers | Haven't approached Jon Beason about restructuring Thu May 16, 08:59 AM
The Carolina Panthers haven't approached LB Jon Beason about restructuring his deal.
| Footballguys view: Beason is the second highest paid player on the Panthers roster behind DE Charles Johnson. He's got a $5.2MM base salary but has a $9.5MM cap number because of a $4MM prorated bonus and a $250,000 workout bonus. The Panthers have redone the contracts of DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart but don't appear to have the same plan in mind for Beason even though he's only played five games over the last two years. |
Jon Beason player page
Ravens | Rolando McClain wants to focus on personal issues Thu May 16, 08:33 AM
Baltimore Ravens LB Rolando McClain decided to retire to was solely his decision, and he wants to focus on getting himself together before continuing his career, a source said. The Ravens have offered to be a resource for McClain.
| Footballguys view: Good news for McClain here. He's had several off field incidents during his short pro career but now wants to get his life back on track. Here's hoping that McClain can do that and get on the path that's best for him. |
Rolando McClain player page
Bears | Reunion with Brian Urlacher unlikely Wed May 15, 10:25 PM
Chicago Bears general manager Phil Emery said Wednesday, May 15, that it was 'less likely than more likely' that the team would try to re-sign free-agent LB Brian Urlacher (Bears), citing that the team has made investment in other players.
| Footballguys view: It seems like the door has been closed on Urlacher returning to the Bears. Anything can happen but at this time it doesn't seem like he's going to be in Chicago this year. The Vikings and Broncos have denied interest in Urlacher as well. |
Brian Urlacher player page
Texans | Darryl Sharpton not cleared Wed May 15, 02:56 PM
Houston Texans defensive coordinator Wade Phillips said LB Darryl Sharpton (hip) still has not been cleared to participate in offseason workouts because he still recovering from the hip injury that landed him on Injured Reserve last season.
Link to storyDarryl Sharpton player page
Cardinals | Daryl Washington speaks about suspension Wed May 15, 01:49 PM
Arizona Cardinals ILB Daryl Washington spoke about his tumultuous offseason and upcoming suspension, but he did not have much to say. "I really can't talk about that right now," Washington said. "I'm pretty much limited in what I got to say but I'm going to let my attorney do his job and we'll go from there."
Link to storyDaryl Washington player page
Cardinals | Daryl Washington demoted in OTAs Wed May 15, 01:38 PM
Arizona Cardinals ILB Daryl Washington has been suspended by the NFL for four games and potentially faces another suspension for an offseason arrest. Washington came into organized team activities as a second-string linebacker behind ILB Karlos Dansby, who is likely to replace Washington for the duration of his suspension.
| Footballguys view: The move makes sense. Washington is facing at least a four game suspension to begin the season. Dansby is back with the Cardinals after spending the last three seasons in Miami. |
Karlos Dansby player page
Daryl Washington player page
Ravens | Rolando McClain retiring from NFL Wed May 15, 01:11 PM
Baltimore Ravens general manager Ozzie Newsome announced Ravens LB Rolando McClain, 23, has informed the team he is retiring. Baltimore has placed McClain on the Reserve/Retired list.
| Footballguys view: Things change pretty quickly around here. Three years ago McClain was a top 10 pick in the first-round and people were talking about him like the next coming of Patrick Willis. Still only 23 years old we'll see if McClain can get his life back on track and get back on the football field. |
Rolando McClain player page
Vikings | Not pursuing Brian Urlacher Wed May 15, 09:52 AM
Minnesota Vikings head coach Leslie Frazier said the team isn't pursuing free-agent MLB Brian Urlacher (Bears) right now. They plan to give LB Erin Henderson every opportunity to win the middle linebacker job. 'Brian has been a great player in our league for a long, long time,' Frazier said. 'He was a thorn in our side for many years. At this point we want to look at the guys on our roster, give them a chance to compete for the middle linebacker position then we'll see where it takes us.'
| Footballguys view: With both the Broncos and Vikings uninterested in Urlacher he'll have to wait longer to find a new home. We could get to training camp before Urlacher gets an opportunity. |
Brian Urlacher player page
Cardinals | More on Karlos Dansby Wed May 15, 09:36 AM
Updating previous reports, Arizona Cardinals LB Karlos Dansby is guaranteed $1.75 million.
Link to storyKarlos Dansby player page
Chiefs | Akeem Jordan gets chance to start Wed May 15, 12:07 AM
Kansas City Chiefs LB Akeem Jordan played alongside LB Derrick Johnson with the first-unit defense Tuesday, May 14, in the first day of organized team activities (OTAs). Jordan is making the transition to a 3-4 defense from the 4-3 he played in during his 82 games with the Philadelphia Eagles from 2007-12.
Link to storyDerrick Johnson player page
Akeem Jordan player page
Dolphins | No switch for Koa Misi Wed May 15, 12:02 AM
Miami Dolphins LB Koa Misi said Tuesday, May 14, that the team had initial discussions about switching him to middle linebacker, but that will not happen. LB Dannell Ellerbe is expected to play the position.
Link to storyDannell Ellerbe player page
Koa Misi player page
Cardinals | Karlos Dansby runs with starters Tue May 14, 11:58 PM
Arizona Cardinals LB Karlos Dansby was running with the starting unit in the first day of organized team activities (OTAs) Tuesday, May 14.
| Footballguys view: Dansby returns to the team he started his career with after three years in Miami. He finished with a career high 134 tackles in 2012 and can start for the team while Daryl Washington serves his four game suspension. |
Karlos Dansby player page
Cardinals | Karlos Dansby terms Tue May 14, 11:51 AM
Arizona Cardinals LB Karlos Dansby's one-year deal is worth $2.25 million. He has a $1.25 million base salary and a $1 million signing bonus.
Link to storyKarlos Dansby player page
Panthers | Jon Beason update Tue May 14, 10:30 AM
Carolina Panthers LB Jon Beason (knee, shoulder) is not expected to participate in June minicamps.
| Footballguys view: Beason has been set back by injuries over the last two years. Having only played five games over the last two years the team will ease Beason back onto the field in training camp. Luke Kuechly has taken his old job as the team's middle linebacker and Beason will work as an outside linebacker in 2013. |
Jon Beason player page
Packers | Micah Johnson waivers Mon May 13, 10:07 AM
The Green Bay Packers waived LB Micah Johnson.
Link to storyMicah Johnson player page
Cardinals | Karlos Dansby signs Fri May 10, 11:32 AM
The Arizona Cardinals signed free-agent LB Karlos Dansby (Dolphins) to a one-year deal.
| Footballguys view: A strong move by the Cardinals here. Dansby comes back to the desert after spending the last three years in Miami. He had a career high 134 tackles in 2012 and proved he can still play at a high level. Dansby gives the Cardinals depth at the linebacker position and insurance in case Daryl Washington is suspended longer than his current four game ban. |
Karlos Dansby player page
Texans | Darryl Sharpton not taking part in workouts Thu May 9, 03:40 PM
Houston Texans LB Darryl Sharpton (hip) has not participated in offseason workouts this offseason because he is still dealing with the hip injury that forced him to go on Injured Reserve last season.
Link to storyDarryl Sharpton player page
Cardinals | Karlos Dansby says visit went well Thu May 9, 03:01 PM
Free-agent LB Karlos Dansby (Dolphins) said his visit with the Arizona Cardinals went well. 'Everything went great. I can see something happening,' Dansby said.
| Footballguys view: The Cardinals could use a talent like Dansby again. He played with the Cardinals from 2004-2009. Coming off a career high in tackles (134) Dansby is drawing interest from several teams and is looking for a long-term contract. |
Karlos Dansby player page
Eagles | Chris Gocong to take part in minicamp Thu May 9, 01:50 PM
Free-agent LB Chris Gocong (Browns) will participate in the Philadelphia Eagles' rookie minicamp this weekend on a tryout basis.
Link to storyChris Gocong player page
NFL | Karlos Dansby receiving interest Thu May 9, 01:10 PM
Free-agent LB Karlos Dansby (Dolphins) said he has received interest from the New York Jets, Houston Texans and Atlanta Falcons.
| Footballguys view: No surprise here. Dansby can still be productive as evidenced by his career high 134 tackles last year for the Dolphins. The Cardinals, Bills, and Bengals have showed interest in the veteran as well. He's reportedly trying to get a multi-year deal. |
Karlos Dansby player page
Cowboys | Sean Lee ready to go Thu May 9, 08:23 AM
Dallas Cowboys LB Sean Lee (toe) said he's participating in OTAs and ready to go after a toe injury last season. He said he has some soreness after practice, but he's 100 percent.
| Footballguys view: Getting Lee back on the field will be a boost for the Cowboys defense. Keeping him on the field should be the concern. Durability has been an issue for Lee since he entered the league in 2010. |
Sean Lee player page
NFL | Karlos Dansby looking for multiyear deal Wed May 8, 03:20 PM
Free-agent LB Karlos Dansby is looking for more than a one-year deal. Dansby is visiting the Arizona Cardinals Thursday, May 8.
Link to storyKarlos Dansby player page
Cardinals | Karlos Dansby visiting Wed May 8, 08:45 AM
The Arizona Cardinals will visit with free-agent LB Karlos Dansby (Dolphins) Wednesday, May 8.
| Footballguys view: Dansby could come back to the Cardinals because of the uncertainty surrounding Daryl Washington. 2012 was his best season with the Dolphins as Dansby finished the year with 134 total tackles and proved he could still be productive as a pro. Washington could be facing another suspension because of his recent arrest (domestic violence), but the NFL is expected to allow the legal process play out before making a decision. Washington will already miss the first four games of the 2013 season for violating the substance abuse policy. |
Karlos Dansby player page
Ravens | Rolando McClain pleads guilty to one charge Tue May 7, 08:33 AM
Baltimore Ravens LB Rolando McClain has pleaded guilty to a window tint violation stemming from his arrest in January following a traffic stop. However, McClain still is currently due in court July 9 because of his most recent arrest on charges of disorderly conduct and resisting arrest. The arrest, which occurred at a Decatur park after police responded to a disturbance, came April 21.
Link to storyRolando McClain player page
Texans | Brian Cushing injury update Mon May 6, 09:12 PM
Houston Texans LB Brian Cushing (knee) is expected to be ready for Week 1 of the regular season, according to head coach Gary Kubiak. "I'm watching him today, he sure looks like he's ready to go," Kubiak said Monday. "I know that it's not time to turn him loose yet, but he's come a long way. What'd he miss, 11 games last year plus two playoff games? You don't get that time back in this league, so I know he's chomping at the bit and ready to go."
Link to storyBrian Cushing player page
Cardinals | Daryl Washington could get another suspension Mon May 6, 06:29 PM
Arizona Cardinals LB Daryl Washington could be facing another suspension because of his recent arrest, but the NFL is expected to allow the legal process play out before making a decision. Washington will already miss the first four games of the 2013 season for violating the substance abuse policy.
Link to storyDaryl Washington player page
Dolphins | Coach explains changes at LB Sun May 5, 11:43 AM
Miami Dolphins head coach Joe Philbin said the team was looking to add faster linebackers to their defense, which is why they released LBs Karlos Dansby and Kevin Burnett and added Dannell Ellerbe, Philip Wheeler and Jelani Jenkins. Philbin said the team wanted linebackers that could cover pass catchers man-to-man and blitz effectively because the NFL is becoming a passing league.
| Footballguys view: Nickel defenses are becoming the base set in the NFL as opponents are more pass happy than ever. Linebackers need better coverage skills because of the emergence of move tight ends who can attack the seam. |
Philip Wheeler player page
Dannell Ellerbe player page
Cardinals | Daryl Washington arrested Fri May 3, 03:10 PM
Arizona Cardinals LB Daryl Washington was arrested and booked into jail for two counts of aggravated assault.
Link to storyDaryl Washington player page
Saints | Jonathan Vilma has inside shot Thu May 2, 09:19 AM
New Orleans Saints LB Jonathan Vilma has been the talk of the weight room and seems to be the front-runner for the second inside spot.
Link to storyJonathan Vilma player page
Cardinals | Daryl Washington being investigated Thu May 2, 08:27 AM
The Phoenix Police Department is investigating a woman's claim that Arizona Cardinals LB Daryl Washington was involved in a domestic dispute. Sources say there are clear indications the victim had been physically attacked. No arrests have been made and police are looking for Washington.
Link to storyDaryl Washington player page
